Travel Date: November 2021
Note: As entry/exit requirements change frequently, please check with your airline of your destination countries’ official website for the latest information. Updated as of April 2022.
Both Argentina and Uruguay finally opened its borders to all countries as of November 1, 2021. Here is my experience entering and exiting both countries. My itinerary was as follows:
- Flew into Argentina (Ezeiza) by air
- Entered Uruguay (Montevideo) by Buquebus
- Returned to Argentina (Buenos Aires) by Buquebus
- Exited Argentina (Ezeiza) by air
Entering Argentina by Air
There are a few requirements for foreigners entering Argentina, as follows. The latest can be found on the Argentina Tourism site.
72-hour PCR test, counted from your first point of departure to Argentina(Edit: no longer required as of April 2022)Proof of vaccination, with last dose no less than 14 days before arrival to Argentina(Edit: no longer required as of April 2022)- Travel insurance with Covid coverage
- Completed declaration form (declaración jurada, or DDJJ) submitted no more than 48 hours before your trip
My airline checked every single item prior to boarding, so please allow time at the gate for document checks. I printed each of these out, but you may also opt to show each of these from your cell phone or other electronic device.
Once in Argentina, the immigration officer only asked whether I was vaccinated. He didn’t check any other form on arrival.
Entering Uruguay by Buquebus
You are required to fill out (again) the declaration form to exit Argentina. Many did not know this was a requirement so they had to do it at the ferry terminal. (Edit: Argentina no longer requires the declaration form to exit Argentina as of April 2022)
To enter Uruguay, here are the requirements:
- 72-hour PCR test (Edit: not required if fully vaccinated, as of April 2022)
- Proof of vaccination, with last dose no less than 14 days before arrival to Uruguay
- Travel insurance with Covid coverage
- Completed declaration form (declaración jurada de salud del viajero) submitted no more than 48 hours before your trip
The Buquebus terminal in Buenos Aires does NOT provide testing facilities, so remember to have your PCR test done prior coming to the terminal. Do arrive about 90 minutes prior to departure to complete all formalities, including both Argentine and Uruguayan immigration. You will get two passport stamps before boarding.
Entering Argentina by Buquebus
The requirements are the same as arriving by air (see above).
As for procedures in Montevideo, if you already have your PCR results just go to check-in. If you have not purchased your PCR test, go to the cashier counter on the very left (in red caja) to purchase. Buquebus will provide you with a PDF to upload in place of your PCR test results for your Argentine declaration form.
There are no forms to fill out to exit Uruguay. Proceed through Uruguayan immigration to get your exit stamp. You will clear Argentine immigration once you arrive in Argentina.
One note about getting your PCR result if you decide to do it at the port: on the slip they give you, there is a number for you to send a message to their WhatsApp number. Just start with a “hi” and you’ll get an automated message. Then enter just the number portion of your ID and you’ll be informed if a result is available for you. The data is updated every hour.
Returning to the US by Air
Remember to fill out your declaration form to exit Argentina (Edit: no longer required as of April 2022). If you are entering the US, you should have completed your 3-day Covid test (Edit: 1-day Covid test, not 24 hours). Please check the CDC website or with your airline for the latest requirements.
Your airline will check all documentation during check-in.
Safe travels!